LAGUNA BEACH, CA – The community is mourning after authorities recovered the body of 5-year-old Amada Mia Brown, who was swept out to sea by powerful waves earlier this week near Treasure Island Beach.
The Incident and Rescue Attempt
The tragedy occurred on Tuesday evening when dangerous, rough surf conditions pulled Amada, her mother, and her brother into the ocean near the shoreline.
Bystanders immediately rushed into the water, successfully rescuing the mother and the young boy. Two of the rescuers sustained unspecified injuries during the effort and were transported to a local hospital in stable condition. Tragically, Amada was carried out to sea by the strong current.
Massive Search Operations
The U.S. Coast Guard, alongside multiple local partner agencies, launched an extensive 30-hour search operation covering over 90 square miles. The active search was suspended on Wednesday night, June 10, 2026, after crews exhausted all options.
Capt. Stacey Crecy, commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, expressed deepest condolences, stating that suspending such a search is an extremely difficult decision. Amada’s body was officially recovered on Thursday.
Family Mourns “Little Princess”
During a community vigil held Thursday after the recovery, Amada’s father, Aaron Brown, remembered his daughter as a cheerful, bright child who loved life and the ocean.
“She liked ‘Moana,’ she liked ‘Frozen.’ She was my little princess,” Brown said. “She loved the beach… She was never afraid of the water.”
Hazardous Surf Warnings Remain
Officials are warning the public that dangerous ocean conditions and hazardous surf remain a major threat in the area. Authorities advise beachgoers to exercise extreme caution, as unpredictable currents can pull individuals into deep water within seconds.
